Costa Rica Itineraries for 5 days: Our Recommendations
Although 5 days in Costa Rica may not sound like much time, the small size of this Central American country (equal to West Virginia or Denmark) means a Costa Rica 5-day tour is still long enough to experience many of its most extraordinary sights. Spanning pristine protected jungle, stunning beaches, wondrous waterways, and mesmerising misty mountains, you certainly won’t regret a 5-day trip to Costa Rica. Check out our top picks of Costa Rica itineraries for 5 days below!
5 days in Costa Rica: Jungle and Islands Expedition
| Day 1 | Arrival and free time in San Jose |
| Day 2 | Catamaran tour to Tortuga Island |
| Day 3 | Enjoy the hot springs around Arenal Volcano National Park |
| Day 4 | Raft and zipline your way around Arenal Volcano National Park |
| Day 5 | Return to San Jose |
After some free time in the urban jungle of San Jose, you’ll head to the country’s Pacific Coast and board a luxury catamaran for a day trip from San Jose to the beautiful Tortuga Island, home to white-sand beaches and warm shallows that are just perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Back on land, you’ll be able to experience the natural hot springs that surround the soaring peak of Arenal Volcano, before exploring the area up close by ziplining from tree to tree, and rafting 12 kilometers of the Sarapiqui River — from Hacienda to Chilamate. See tour
Costa Rica in 5 days: Volcanos and Rainforests
| Day 1 | Explore plantations and landscapes on route to Arenal Volcano |
| Day 2 | Hike through the jungle of Arenal Volcano National Park |
| Day 3 | Wildlife spotting in Monteverde Cloud Forest |
| Day 4 | Trekking through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve |
| Day 5 | Return to San Jose |
This 5-day Costa Rica vacation package takes in two of the country’s finest protected areas. Arenal Volcano National Park may be named for its predominant volcanic peak, rising high over the surrounding land to form spectacular vistas, but it also offers visitors naturally-heated hot springs and incredible hikes through the jungles of its flanks. The misty mountains of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve then provide another magical experience, crisscrossed with walking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities while getting the best ziplining experience in Costa Rica. See tour
5-day Adventure in Tortuguero National Park
| Day 1 | Arrive in San Jose |
| Day 2 | Boat rides and turtle spotting in Tortuguero National Park |
| Day 3 | Tour the canals of Tortuguero |
| Day 4 | Free time in San Jose |
| Day 5 | Depart Costa Rica |
Only reachable by boat or plane, Tortuguero National Park encompasses a rich landscape of Caribbean Coast beaches and jungle-clad waterways just waiting to be explored. During two full days in the park, you’ll have every opportunity to discover the region and its wildlife for yourself, starting with turtle spotting on the beaches on your first evening in the park. You’ll also take to the waters by boat, the perfect way to try and catch sight of the park’s impressive species list, which includes manatee, jaguar, and caiman. See tour
There’s nowhere quite like Costa Rica, and even with just 5 days, it is possible to get a perfect introduction to all the country has to offer. But if you can, extend your 5-day itinerary in Costa Rica by a few days and enjoy the country to the max. Check out our 7 day, 10 day, and 14 day Costa Rica itineraries for more ideas. To design your own customized trip, get in touch with one of our travel experts in Costa Rica.
